Civic reception held for rugby star Rob Burrow

Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019

The life and achievements of rugby league legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Rob Burrow have been celebrated at a civic reception in Leeds.

The former Leeds Rhinos star, who was diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2019, died on 2 June aged 41.

His family were among those to attend the reception at Leeds Civic Hall along with about 180 guests, while thousands more watched proceedings online.

Burrow's wife, Lindsey, said the event, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, had been a "bittersweet day".

Mrs Burrow said: "I know how proud Rob would have been to be here, but I am sure he's with us in spirit.

"To hear all the tributes and the impact he's had for the city of Leeds, for rugby league and for the MND community, it was just really heart-warming."

Burrow's mother, Irene, told BBC Radio Leeds it had been "a tough few weeks" for the family following his death and funeral, which took place on Sunday.

"We are here for Rob today and so proud of him," she added.

"We just have to be strong for Rob, it's Rob living through us."

About 180 guests were invited to the reception at Leeds Civic Hall

Thousands of people, many dressed in rugby shirts, lined the streets last weekend to pay their respects as Burrow's funeral cortege made its way to Pontefract Crematorium.

His dad Geoff said the family "couldn't believe" the number of people who turned out for his son's final journey and said "it meant a lot to us".

"He [Rob] would have been looking down and thinking 'This is too much'. He was quite a famous lad but he never really liked the adulation."

James Lewis, the leader of Leeds City Council, told the reception the authority was working to find "a fitting long-term commemoration" to Burrow.

Rob Burrow's parents, Geoff and Irene, and his sisters were among those in attendance

Meanwhile, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and president of the Rugby Football League, said no rugby league player had "more respect, more recognition and more love" than Burrow.

He went on to say how he had "taken our understanding of MND to a whole new level", describing him as a "true rugby league legend" and "inspirational fighter against a cruel disease".

Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who is now the director of culture, diversity and inclusivity at Leeds Rhinos, said his former teammate had "no fear" and was "the most courageous human being I have ever known".

Rob Burrow won eight Super League titles with Leeds Rhinos

Burrow won eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups during his eight-year career.

However in 2019, two years after his retirement from the sport, he was diagnosed with MND.

In less than five years following his diagnosis, he Sinfield raised more than £15m for MND charities.

Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for his services to rugby league and the MND community, and was promoted to a CBE in the New Year Honours in 2024.

The father of three died at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

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Mourners lined the streets on Sunday to pay their last respects